Fresno's Fansler unveils new restaurant concept

Cowgirl’s BBQ & Spice Co. will open in March of 2013, after a extensive renovation.Cowgirl’s BBQ & Spice Co. is scheduled to open in March of 2013 after a $2.5 million to $3 million renovation of the former Claim Jumper restaurant in north Fresno is completed.

David Fansler of Fansler Restaurant Group signed the lease for the new establishment in June, as the Business Journal first reported.

He indicated the restaurant will feature top-of-the-line barbeque equipment, a menu with dishes from across the country and it will follow the fast casual model without servers.

“In my own mind, it will be the Willy Wonka of barbeque,” Fansler said.

The 500-seat restaurant will follow the fast-casual model and all food will be prepared from scratch. Customers can also purchase exclusive seasonings and sauces.

The bar will offer craft beers, bourbons and wine.

The interior, as well as the exterior, will be included in the renovation.

“We don’t want to just put lipstick on the Claim Jumper and call it a barbeque,” Fansler said about the renovation.

The construction crew will eliminate the current bar and build two new bars on the main side of the restaurant. The area that formerly held the bar will be converted into what Fansler called “a very large takeout and party seating area.”

The renovation will also include adding a patio to front.

Fansler reports the equipment for the kitchen’s massive overhaul will only be from the top manufacturers in the industry.

“That will really make the difference on how we cook everything,” Fansler said.

Justin Shannon and Porfirio Aldape will be the chefs for the new diner. Sharon Scott will be the general managing partner.